Naples, FL KAPF Viewing Area

[Lax291]

If you make it down to Southwest FL and want to see planes landing and departing (almost non-stop) check out the viewing area right at the approach end of 05 at Naples airport. There's a covered area to protect from the sun, bathrooms, and a speaker tuned to the tower. 

Caught this green M20J before departure. 

And this TBM 930, which the wife now wants. 

[Slick Nick]

That looks like a K. The round windows mean maybe a 252? It's got a longer cowl than a J would have from this angle. 

[LANCECASPER]

3 hours ago, Slick Nick said:

That looks like a K. The round windows mean maybe a 252? It's got a longer cowl than a J would have from this angle. 

It's a 1991 J. https://www.flightaware.com/resources/registration/N9136B

In 1986 the new K, the 252, was introduced with rounded windows. Beginning in 1987 the M20J 205 had rounded windows. I believe starting in 1989 all Js had rounded windows. 

[Slick Nick]

51 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

It's a 1991 J. https://www.flightaware.com/resources/registration/N9136B

In 1986 the new K, the 252, was introduced with rounded windows. Beginning in 1987 the M20J 205 had rounded windows. I believe starting in 1989 all Js had rounded windows. 

Weird. The cowl looks longer than a J from this angle. It’s only a couple of serial numbers behind mine off the assembly line. Maybe the three bladed prop makes it look longer. 

[Scott Ashton]

I flew out of HFD for decades and now have a 201 at APF….if you are still down here I’m happy to show her off to you…

[Lax291]

36 minutes ago, Scott Ashton said:

I flew out of HFD for decades and now have a 201 at APF….if you are still down here I’m happy to show her off to you…

Thanks Scott, much appreciated! I'm down a few times a year visiting my parents (Naples) and in-laws (Venice) and will take you up on that offer next time I'm there. 

My goal is once I get my instrument rating to fly down to Naples, looks like a great airport to land at especially if you come in over the water. 

[Parker_Woodruff]

On 3/2/2025 at 6:32 PM, Slick Nick said:

Weird. The cowl looks longer than a J from this angle. It’s only a couple of serial numbers behind mine off the assembly line. Maybe the three bladed prop makes it look longer. 

Missile conversion

[1980Mooney]

On 3/2/2025 at 6:32 PM, Slick Nick said:

Weird. The cowl looks longer than a J from this angle. It’s only a couple of serial numbers behind mine off the assembly line. Maybe the three bladed prop makes it look longer. 

 

On 3/13/2025 at 2:24 PM, Parker_Woodruff said:

Missile conversion

Exactly.  It is the original "Poor man's Ovation".  

N9136B | 1991 MOONEY M20J MSE MISSILE on Aircraft.com